Smalling and family robbed by armed gang at home in Rome

“Every coach has their own way to coach and deal with players, and as a player you have to adapt. Sometimes it doesn’t suit you and sometimes it does. Ole has helped Luke a lot, it was a difficult season with Luke and Mourinho, and he has proved he has the quality he always had and the trust of the manager. I don’t know what happened, I’m sure Mourinho said something that would make people speak, that’s what he does.”

Mourinho delivered a withering response after last night’s match at Everton, saying: “I would like to say that I couldn’t care less with what he says. I am not interested at all.”

Chris Smalling, the Roma defender, was robbed at gunpoint at home in front of his wife and two-year-old child yesterday, after their villa was targeted by a crime gang.

Three armed men broke into the former England international’s multi-million pound property and forced him to open his family’s safe, according to reports in Italy. Hooded raiders took a Rolex watch, jewellery and other valuables during the raid in the historic Appia Antica district south of the city.

Police were alerted just before 5am yesterday by Smalling’s wife, Sam. Smalling, who was out of Europa League action this week while he recovers from a knee injury, was said to be distressed about the incident but calm.

The property was targeted hours after Roma drew 1-1 with Ajax, to win 3-2 on aggregate and set up a semi-final with former club Manchester United. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the family were sleeping when armed and hooded men broke into their home.

Smalling, who joined the Italian club from Manchester United on a permanent deal last year, married Sam, 35, a model, in June 2017 and they had a son, Leo, just before they moved to the Italian capital.

Cases of footballers being targeted by gangs is on the increase across Europe. Roma coach Paulo Fonseca’s home was broken into when he and his family were out, and last month Paris St-germain forward Angel Di Maria’s house was robbed in the presence of his family.

Alex Bomberg, whose Intelligent Protection firm provides security for footballers and celebrities, said the latest case underlined the need for improved security around the elite clubs.

“We are not talking about opportune thieves here, we are talking about organised crime – and to date there have been very few arrests made internationally,” he said.